Facilities expansion and upgrades at Buurma Farms will translate to increased operational efficiencies. “We have expanded our farmland so we can better rotate our crops, which should improve soil health and improve our crop yields,” Buurma Farms Treasurer Loren Buurma told The Produce News.

The history of the multi-generational farming company dates back to its founding in 1896. The company is headquartered in Willard, OH, with farming operations there and in Gregory, MI. Buurma Farms of Georgia LCC grows fresh produce in Claxon, GA.

“We have added additional housing for our migrant workers in both Ohio and Michigan,” Mr. Buurma continued.

The company moves a wide range of product from its farming locations. Commodities include radishes, curly parsley, flat parsley, cilantro, dill, Vidalia sweet onions, sweet corn, collard greens, mustard greens, cabbage, green onions and kale.

Wet weather during April is expected to delay the start of the marketing season for Buurma Farms by approximately one week when compared to 2012. (Photo courtesy of Buurma Farms)Improvements also extend into the facilities and food-safety areas. “We have continued to invest in plant improvements with new ceilings in a couple of packing areas, a new wall in the main packingshed, concrete curbs in coolers, new stainless radish sizing equipment and four new stainless conveyors in the radish grading room,” Mr. Buurma added.

Mr. Buurma was asked how the current production season has been going. “For the most part, the weather has kept us out of our fields due to rain last week,” he replied. “We have a little bit of stuff planted but need to resume plantings ASAP. My guess is we are a week or so behind last year at this point.”

With these delays, he anticipated to start marketing activity toward the end of May. Radish production will gear up soon with other commodities following in suit. Buurma Farms ships fresh commodities throughout the eastern half of the United States and can reach its clients within a 24-hour delivery window. “We do have trucks in the area, and they will pick up for chains,” Mr. Buurma stated. Expeditious delivery is important, he commented, because interest in locally grown and locally available produce continues to flourish.

The company continues to meet the highest food-safety standards. “The Primus audit for our Georgia farm is scheduled for May,” he commented. “The Ohio farm and packing facilities passed the Primus GFS audit last year and are scheduled to have the same audit this season. The Michigan farm passed its audit by the Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement.”

“The Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement is a grassroots effort led by Ohio’s agriculture community to take charge of food safety in our state and nation,” the OPMA website states. “It is a statewide network of farmers, standards and inspections that are realistic, sensible and affordable. While developed for agriculture in Ohio, anyone nationwide can become a member and utilize the benefits of the certification.”